Nigeria Confirms No New Taxes on Telecom and Fuel

The Federal Government of Nigeria, represented by Maryann Duke, Senior Special Assistant on Communications to the Minister of Finance, clarified on Tuesday that there are no plans to introduce new taxes on telecommunications services or petroleum products. This statement followed a report from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) during its Article IV consultation, which suggested fiscal changes.

Duke explained that the IMF's recommendations are merely policy suggestions and do not constitute binding decisions for the Nigerian government. She reiterated that the government is focused on maintaining a transparent and growth-oriented tax system.

The current Value Added Tax (VAT) waiver on petrol remains active, and the government has suspended certain taxes to help moderate domestic fuel prices. Duke urged stakeholders and the public to disregard inaccurate reports regarding the introduction of new taxes, confirming that previous telecommunications excise duties introduced in 2023 have been repealed.